Page 28 of Sweetheart

"How did you know?" I said.In answer to his questioning look, I added, "That I would ask you. How'd you know?"

Sam gave a shrug. "Afterour talk, I figured you might."

I lifted a brow at that.

"Come on, Scarlett," he said. "You're a smart girl.I knew once you thought it over you'd realize I'm the right guy for the job."

"Really?" I sniffed. "A little presumptuous. Don't you think?"

"You asked me, didn't you?"

"I did," I mumbled, "though in the face of your smug cockiness, I'm currently reconsidering my decision."

With a grin, Sam said, "Too late. I already agreed."

I huffed.

"Besides, who else would you ask?"

I gestured tothe crowded hallway. "Look around, Bishop.The possibilities are endless.I could've asked literally anyone else."

"Like who?" Sam said.

"I don't know," I replied, picking a random guy, standing a few feet away. "Him, possibly."

"That guy?"

"Yeah.Why not?"

"Well, for one, he's a freshman," he said. "Name's Martin, plays on JV. Iwas assigned tomentor him.Never knew you like them so young, Kent."

"Ha ha," I said then pointed to someone else. "That guy then.He seems okay."

Sam nodded."What makes you say that?"

"He's carrying an instrument case," I said with a shrug. "A fellow musician. We might havesome things in common."

"Hmmm, not unless you're into convicted criminals."

My eyes widened. "What the what?"

"That's PJ Manning."

"That's PJ?" I said back.

"Yep. In case you forgot, hewas suspended last year for—"

"Breaking into the school and taking a poo on the principal's desk," I finished."I remember. I just didn't recognize himfrom the back."

"Wanna try a third option?" Sam asked, and I could hear the laughter in his voice.

"Okay. Howabout him?" I said. "Quentin's a cool guy."

Sam frowned. "He is."

"I'm sure I could convince him to help with my list."

"I'm sure you could too."